Derek Franz

The American Alpine Club (AAC) has announced this year’s recipients of the Cutting Edge Grant: Nick Aiello-Popeo, Matthew Cornell, Ryan Driscoll, Sam Hennessey and Vitaliy

… Read More »American Alpine Club announces 2021 Cutting Edge Grant winners

A jury panel chaired by Victor Saunders recently announced the recipients of the 2021 Grit and Rock Award, a grant intended to bolster female participation

… Read More »2021 Grit and Rock Award recipients announced

From February 5 to 10, Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll soloed Patagonia’s Fitz Roy massif. It was only the second time the technical, 5+ kilometer ridgeline has

… Read More »Interview with Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll about his solo traverse of Patagonia’s Fitz Roy massif (the Moonwalk Traverse)

Since the 10-person team of Nepali climbers completed the first winter ascent of K2 (8611m) on January 16, there have been two confirmed deaths and

… Read More »JP Mohr Prieto, Muhammad Ali Sadpara and John Snorri are missing, presumed dead on K2

Cesare Maestri, one of the most legendary figures in climbing history, died January 19 at age 91. Many of the most famous questions surrounding his

… Read More »Remembering Cesare Maestri (1929-2021)

As the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic continues, the American Alpine Club’s Annual Benefit Gala and award presentation will once again be held virtually on February 20.

… Read More »American Alpine Club’s 2021 Benefit Gala and Awards will be a free virtual event

Just yesterday, K2 (8611) was the last of the 14 8000-meter peaks on Earth that had yet to be climbed in winter. No more. At

… Read More »First winter ascent of K2: 10 Nepali/Sherpa climbers summit together

There are currently four expeditions laboring for the first winter ascent of K2 (8611m), which is the last 8000-meter peak yet to be climbed in

… Read More »Four expeditions are attempting the first winter ascent of K2: Alex Gavan discusses current efforts